Elevating Oklahoma

Oklahoma technology centers, the Oklahoma Department of CareerTech and the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education launched a multimedia, multiyear advertising campaign in January 2007. This campaign seeks to position the Oklahoma CareerTech System as the educational leader in economic, community and career development for Oklahoma.

Strategies were developed following a study completed by the Center for Applied Economic Research at Oklahoma State University on the impact of full-time programs at technology centers. The campaign emphasizes the impact CareerTech has on the state’s economy and individuals’ careers.

In March 2013 economist Mark Snead updated a cost-benefit analysis of CareerTech Career Majors. That study revealed benefits to the Oklahoma economy are $3.5 billion.

Other key messages of Oklahoma CareerTech System from 2013:

CareerTech increased profitability for more than 6,600 companies in 2013

Oklahoma Bid Assistance Network served 1,609 companies.

Nearly half of Oklahoma's students in 9 through 12 grades are in are enrolled in CareerTech classes.

Positive placement (employed, military and continuing education) for completers was 92.94 percent.

Role of CareerTech:

Staff members of the ODCTE serve on the steering committee. The department continues to fund research and provide support in various ways, including Creative Services, printing and special events.